GAZA, Oct. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- A senior Palestinian official said on Thursday that the Palestinian economy had suffered a loss of over 10 million US dollars due to the Israeli seal of the Gaza Strip since its withdrawal last month.

   Palestinian Minister of National Economy Mazen Sanakrot told reporters that the Israeli blockade had led to exacerbating poverty and unemployment in the Palestinian territories.

   He sharply criticized Israel for imposing closures on terminals on the Gaza frontier since Israel completed withdrawal of its forces and settlers from Gaza last month.

   "The Israelis have turned the Gaza Strip into a big prison, shutting down the crossings and terminals while prohibiting the re-opening of the Gaza airport and the seaport," said Sanakrot.

   "The Israeli security measures have denied the Palestinians their basic daily needs especially when the Palestinian started the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan on Tuesday," he added. Enditem